October 10, 2023, marked a special day for Hawaiian cuisine lovers in Las Vegas. Zippy’s, a beloved Hawaiian eatery, finally opened its doors after much anticipation. Having been a fan since their announcement in 2018, I was among the hundreds who lined up, eager to get a taste of home. The atmosphere was electric, with most of the crowd being Las Vegas locals and Hawaiian transplants, all buzzing with excitement.
The Menu: A Melting Pot of Flavors
Zippy’s menu is a delightful puzzle, a fusion of Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean cuisines. On my visit, they were serving a limited menu, a sensible choice given the overwhelming demand. I noticed a lot of Hawaiian staff, adding an authentic touch with their ‘pidgin’ language. The diverse menu offerings ranged from oxtail soup and Korean fried chicken to the island staple, Spam.
| Category | Item | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Soups | Oxtail Soup | Slow-cooked oxtail in a savory broth, garnished with cilantro and served with rice. |
| Saimin | Traditional Hawaiian noodle soup with char siu, kamaboko, green onions, and a dashi-based broth. | |
| Entrees | Teriyaki Beef Plate | Grilled beef marinated in a sweet teriyaki sauce, served with rice and macaroni salad. |
| Korean Fried Chicken | Crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet and spicy Korean sauce. | |
| Loco Moco | Hamburger patty on rice, topped with a fried egg and brown gravy. | |
| Sides | Spam Musubi | Grilled Spam on a block of rice, wrapped in nori (seaweed). |
| Macaroni Salad | Creamy macaroni salad, a classic Hawaiian side dish. | |
| Desserts | Malasadas | Portuguese-style doughnuts, sugar-coated and often filled with custard or chocolate. |
| Haupia | Traditional Hawaiian coconut milk-based dessert, firm in texture and sweet in taste. | |
| Specials | Chili with Rice | Zippy’s signature chili served over a bed of white rice. |
| Spaghetti with Garlic Bread | Spaghetti in a rich tomato sauce, accompanied by toasted garlic bread. | |
| Beverages | Tropical Iced Tea | Refreshing iced tea infused with tropical fruit flavors. |
| Hawaiian Shave Ice | Shaved ice dessert topped with various tropical syrups and sweetened condensed milk. |
Note —This menu is a creative interpretation, designed to showcase a variety of dishes reflecting the multicultural influences in Hawaiian cuisine. For the actual menu of Zippy’s in Las Vegas, it’s best to visit their official website or contact them directly.
The Vibe: Comfortably Unpretentious
The interior of Zippy’s has a simple, cafeteria-like feel, perfect for casual dining. Unfortunately, during my visit, the long wait times meant I couldn’t sample the food firsthand. But the popularity of the place was evident, with many customers clearly there for a taste of nostalgia.
Service with Aloha
Despite the rush, the staff at Zippy’s were incredibly friendly and helpful, navigating the bustling environment with smiles. They had a separate counter for bakery and take-out orders, which seemed to be doing brisk business.
Parking Woes
One notable challenge was the parking situation. It was quite chaotic, with a roundabout route to the lot, reflecting the restaurant’s unexpected popularity.
Final Thoughts
While I didn’t get to try the food this time around, the sheer enthusiasm of the crowd, the variety on the menu, and the warm service make Zippy’s a must-visit for anyone craving Hawaiian flavors in Las Vegas. I plan to return once the initial buzz settles down, eager to indulge in their famed dishes and bakery treats like malasadas.
Zippy’s: Bringing Hawaii’s Heart to the Desert
Zippy’s in Las Vegas is more than just a restaurant; it’s a slice of Hawaiian culture, a reminder of home for many, and a new culinary adventure for locals. As Las Vegas is fondly referred to as the “Ninth Island” by Hawaiians, Zippy’s stands as a testament to this unique cultural connection.